The Seattle Rangers were a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. The team was founded in 1967 as a member of the Continental Football League and played in the Western Division. The original franchise name of Jets was abandoned due to a lawsuit filed by the American Football League's New York Jets.[1] The NHL's New York Rangers reportedly pressured the team to change their name from Rangers in 1969.[2]
| Founded | 1967 |
|---|---|
| Folded | 1969 |
| League | Continental Football League |
| Based in | Seattle, Washington |
| Arena | Memorial Stadium |
| Owner | Lafa Lane |
| Championships | none |
| Division titles | none |
In May 1968, the Rangers signed a formal agreement with the Denver Broncos to act as a farm team of sorts for the AFL club.[3] Later in the year, football legend Ernie Nevers became a stockholder and member of the team's board, with the intent of helping the team become a member of the NFL or AFL.[4] Head coach Mel McCain was fired during the 1968–69 offseason.
Less than a year after attempting to purchase the Boston Patriots of the AFL, Rangers owner Lafa Lane announced his intention to sell a controlling interest in the Rangers.[5] Lane resigned as chairman and president of the team at the end of October 1969,[6] although the team did finish its season. With the end of the COFL in 1970, the Seattle Rangers also ceased operations although no official announcement was made.
Season-by-season
edit| Year | League | W | L | T | Finish | Coach | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Rangers | 1967 | COFL | 7 | 6 | 0 | 3rd, Pacific Division | Mel McCain |
| 1968 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2nd, Pacific Division | |||
| 1969 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 3rd, Pacific Division | Don White |
References
edit- ^ "Seattle Gridders Named". The Daily Chronicle. June 13, 1967.
- ^ Cerf, Bennett (November 7, 1969). "Try and Stop Me". The Kane Republican.
- ^ "Seattle, Denver Sign Agreement". The Nashville Tennessean. UPI. May 5, 1968.
- ^ "Ex-Grid Ace Nevers Joins Rangers Brass". The Arizona Republic. UPI. September 1, 1968.
- ^ "Rangers' Owner Offers Club Away". The Arizona Republic. UPI. October 14, 1969.
- ^ "Seattle Rangers President Resigns". The Bulletin. UPI. November 1, 1969.
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